Friday, January 23, 2009

Well our friend Perez Hilton has done it again! He posted one of our new videos, "The Call" by Regina Spektor from the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and within hours of posting has already gotten major attention on the internet! The kids outdid themselves, doing some three part harmonies, and Allie and Tirzah are magnificent as a duo! Perez had requested a song by Regina, and this was the obvious choice. Thanks to Perez for all his support! It makes us so proud to know that he deems us worthy viewing for his mass audience. Here are 2 songs from a rather prolific practice this afternoon!

The Call by Regina Spektor

Everybody's Changing by Keane

Perez was kind enough to send a message to the kids:

Such a lovely rendition!Thanks so much.I'm sure Regina will be thrilled too.xoxoP

Congrats kids on adding to your list of major accomplishments in a year filled with them!! I know you believe me now when I tell you you're the best!! And of course, thanks to Miss Lisa for her beautiful filming!!

Below are some honors the video has received within hours of posting. Also proud to report that the video is the 7th most e-mailed video on Perez's blog!

and THAT'S why you're my shweetie! but honestly, every year the chorus has a different sound and personality. you can't compare each group, because it's like comparing apples and oranges! you guys BOTH made/make delicious music!! :)

Tori Amos

"They were so good! Their arrangements -- their sound -- it was so good.... It was...... disarming. It means so much that they took it and made it their own."-- Tori Amos after a private performance by the PS22 Chorusof her songs at the Sony Atrium in N.Y.C.

Common

"I feel honored to perform with PS22. The energy brought me up to a natural high on music and art, and just the spirits of you all. You all are so exciting to perform with..... I'm gonna remember this day forever."--hip hop legendCommonon performing with the PS22 Chorus at the National Tree Lighting 2009 for President Obama

David Cook

"Oh my God! It's ridiculous... It is incredible how good you guys are!!"-- David Cook, American Idol winner, after singing with PS22 Chorus!

Bonnie Hunt

Innocence Mission

"What a beautiful, beautiful, joyful version. It is a huge improvement on the original. The children brought tears to my eyes with their glorious singing and smiles. I so love the energy of this performance, the arrangement, the harmonies, everything."-- Karen PerisofThe Innocence Missionin apersonal message to the PS22 Chorusafter seeing the kids' video of the song "There" from their album, GLOW

Tribute WTC

Wikipedia

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IMPROVS

Improvising is a skill that really demands great natural musical ability, particularly to do it at 9 or 10 years old! All of the following songs were being created and recorded as you hear them here (with some minor post-editing). PS22 Chorus member JUSTIN, with occasional super-special guests including legendary PS22 Chorus Alumni CLIVE, DEON, BEN, ADIZA, KARIMA, BRI-AH, & AMANDA D., demonstrates the technique brilliantly.

Stevie Nicks

B.J. Novak

"My God! We watch you all the time at work, at The Office, all the actors, all the writers... You guys are amazing! I swear to you, you're an inspiration, keep it up!"-- B.J. Novak, star of The Office, raves about the PS22 Chorusat The Webby Awards!

Sinead O'Connor

"Most beautiful, joyous thing I seen apart from me own children ." -- Sinead O'Connorafter seeing the PS22 Chorus video of her song "Jackie!" PS22 was then invited to be the opening act for her concert at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

Passion Pit

"These kids made the record what we had been dreaming it to be, as they are integral parts of three songs.... It felt so unbelievable to have the exact sound that I wanted coming through the headphones...."-- Michael Angelakosof Passion Pit on recording with the PS22 Chorus

Nancy Pelosi

"...You indeed, as you sing, 'rule the world!'"--Speaker of the HouseNancy Pelosiafter hearing the chorus sing at the Capitol